Former Krafton Employee Sues PUBG Battlegrounds Publisher for Wrongful Termination and Sexual Assault
A former Krafton employee has filed a lawsuit against the PUBG Battlegrounds publisher for wrongful termination, after the employee suffered a sexual assault, allegedly committed by former Krafton head of strategy and business Kevin Kimball.
The lawsuit, filed in December 2023 with the Los Angeles Superior Court, details the harrowing experience of a 31-year-old woman who attended an alcohol-fueled party for Krafton subsidiary Striking Distance. According to the lawsuit, Kimball subjected the plaintiff to sexual abuse, harassment, and assault at the party. It also notes that many other executives and employees in the company were aware of Kimball’s behavior and reportedly did not protect the plaintiff.
After reporting the sexual assault to HR, the plaintiff was fired, and the company refused to pay her in the aftermath. This led to severe emotional distress, financial struggles, fear, disgrace, constant concern, and embarrassment for the plaintiff. As a result, the lawsuit seeks damages for gender-based discrimination, retaliation, harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment.
The allegations against Kimball have raised serious concerns about workplace conduct at Krafton and have sparked a conversation about the need for comprehensive workplace protection policies. The plaintiff’s experience highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment for all employees, where they can report incidents of misconduct without fear of retaliation.
Kimball did not reply to Polygon’s request for comment, and a Krafton representative gave a statement saying, “We treat all allegations of improper workplace conduct with the utmost seriousness. As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to comment on the specifics of the case.”
Since the incident, Kimball has departed the company for unknown reasons and is currently listed as “self-employed” on his LinkedIn page. The departure of Kimball raises questions about the accountability of company executives and the need for transparent investigations into allegations of misconduct.
The lingering effects of the incident and the subsequent termination of the plaintiff’s employment serve as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of workplace misconduct on individuals and the urgent need for companies to take proactive measures to prevent and address such behavior.
The lawsuit against Krafton sheds light on the broader issue of workplace harassment and the challenges faced by employees who speak out against misconduct. It serves as a call to action for companies to prioritize the well-being and safety of their employees and to ensure that allegations of misconduct are thoroughly and impartially investigated.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will continue to draw attention to the need for systemic change in addressing workplace harassment and discrimination. It is a reminder that every individual deserves to work in an environment free from fear of harassment and retaliation, and it is the responsibility of companies to uphold this standard.
The lawsuit against Krafton serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating a work culture that prioritizes the well-being and safety of all employees. It is a call to action for companies to take meaningful steps to prevent and address workplace misconduct and to ensure that employees feel safe and supported in reporting incidents of harassment and discrimination.